Today's Verse - Proverbs 10:21

The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.

—Proverbs 10:21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I have several friends who are wise in thinking, speaking, and living. When they speak up, everyone listens attentively because their words are always wise, well-timed, worthwhile, and backed up by their life's witness. Their righteous lives and careful use of words bless and nourish all who choose to listen. I want to be like them! Others, however, constantly talk about everything and spend little or no time practicing what they preach. Their words are discounted by almost everyone who hears them. People assume their words are little more than their desire to hear their opinions about matters they know very little about. Let's seek to have "the lips of the righteous" so that our words may "nourish many."

My Prayer...

Holy and wise God, please give me wisdom and self-control to keep my mouth shut unless what I say can benefit those who listen.* Please help my words be helpful, encouraging, and true. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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* Ephesians 4:29
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - John 17:1

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you."

—John 17:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

John 17:1-26 is one of the most moving chapters in the Bible. Jesus knows he is going to die. He knows he is spending his last few hours before his death on a cross with disciples. These disciples do not understand what he is about to do and why he is about to do it. Jesus has two key goals in mind as he prepares himself and his disciples for their life ahead without him:

1. Jesus wants his disciples to be one so they can remain strong and influence the world that the Father sent Jesus to show the world his love.
2. Jesus wants what he is about to do on the cross to bring glory to the Father, unite his disciples, and reach the lost world with the love of God.

As Jesus faced humiliation and abandonment, his chief concern and focus were to bless others. Yes, he was in agony, but he desired to honor the Father and bless others. We will also face hardships, trials, and persecutions (John 15:20). What will be our goal when we face these difficulties? Hmm? No wonder the Holy Spirit reminded us to fix our eyes on Jesus and follow his example (Hebrews 12:1-3), as we yearn to bless those who persecute and mistreat us so they can come to know our Savior (Matthew 5:10).

My Prayer...

Loving Father, I cannot fathom the mysteries of anguish and grace that touched your heart as Jesus made his way to the Cross with such honesty and selflessness. LORD Jesus, I cannot thank you enough for leaving me a powerful example of how to endure life's heaviest burdens. Holy Spirit, please use me so my life can be a blessing to others, and I can live with courage to serve and bless even in hard times. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Psalm 127:1

Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.

—Psalm 127:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"It's all up to me!"

That's the prevailing mindset for high achievers in our world. But this assumption is wrong. Our efforts to build and be a part of something great and lasting are ultimately in vain if the LORD doesn't bless them and empower them. They may flourish for a time under our intense efforts, but if the plans and the construction of great things are not from the LORD, they won't stand the test of time. However, when we partner with the LORD and seek him and his kingdom first, he is "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20).

My Prayer...

Almighty God and Eternal Father, please forgive me for trying to make everything happen by my own efforts and relentless work. You can do far more to advance my work for your kingdom than all my worry and fretfulness could ever accomplish. Please take the lead in every aspect of my life and ministry; defeat me in efforts not in harmony with your will, and please empower those efforts to bring you glory and draw others to your grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.